Deacon Donald Levon Lockhart, Sr., 69, of Palatka, peacefully entered the sunset of life on Friday, July 27, 2018 at Putnam Community Medical Center, Palatka. A native and lifelong resident of Palatka, he was the son of Juanita Norwood Jefferson and William Lockhart, born on Friday, May 13, 1949. He was a 1968 graduate of Central Academy High School. At an early age, Donald accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church and became a lifetime member. He faithfully served as an ordained Deacon (also past chairman of the Deacon's Ministry) and as a member of the Trustee Ministry, Men's Ministry, and sang in the Male Chorus. "Deacon Lockhart" was sincere about worship and was well-known during devotion when he led his trademark song, "Won't it Be Grand!" He was united in marriage to the former Brenda Conley on Saturday, April 15, 1995 and they maintained their vows until the Lord called him home.

In July, 1972, "Don" was loyally employed at Georgia-Pacific as a Chip Yard Operator and for 41 years, retiring in March, 2014. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching football and basketball, especially the Florida Gators, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Los Angeles Lakers. He also enjoyed watching westerns, especially the "Lone Ranger, Gunsmoke," and gameshows, especially "Jeopardy."

In addition to his mother and father, Donald was preceded in eternal rest by his step-father, Horace Jefferson; sister, Geraldine Jefferson Knowles; son, Wayne Francis; and grandson, Deric Lewis.

He leaves to cherish his memories: loving and devoted wife of 23 years, Minister Brenda L. Lockhart, Palatka; sons and daughters, Donald (LaToya) Lockhart, Jr., Palm Coast; Bridgette (Gary) Summerour, Brett Conley, all of Augusta, GA; Torrie (Jevon) White, Riviera Beach; sister, Linda (Fred) Marshall, Palatka; brothers, Minister Horace (Karen) Jefferson, Lake City; Elijah Lowery, Palatka; grandchildren, Jakelvis Lockhart, Tallahassee; Deonna Lockhart, Daytona Beach; Brae'Don Lockhart, Austin Washington, Channon (Christopher, Sr.) Lewis, all of Palm Coast; Corleous (Ashleigh) Kelly, West Palm Beach; Jase White, Jordan White, Josiah White, all of Riviera Beach; Asia Lewis, Chaz Conley, Zaire Conley, all of Augusta, GA; 3 great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Brown, Augusta, GA; Christopher Lewis, Jr., Caliya Lewis, both of Palm Coast; goddaughter, Precious Rodgers, Palatka; aunt, Bertha Mae Norwood, Palatka; brothers-in-law, Leo Fairley, Antioch, CA; Joseph (Kim) Smith, Pass Christian, MS; sister-in-law, Alice (Earnest) Bradley, Pass Christian, MS; and his beloved Jack Russell Terrier "Stanley Lockhart"; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 4-7 p.m., Saturday, August 4, with a Victory Wake from 6-7 p.m., at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka. Homegoing Celebration will be 3 p.m., Sunday, August 5, at Mt. Tabor, Reverend Karl N. Flagg, Senior Pastor, is the eulogist. His cousin, Reverend James Ray, pastor of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, Ft. Lauderdale, presiding. Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery.